National Press Club Statement On Nelson Mandela

The following statement on Nelson Mandela was issued by Angela Greiling Keane, President of the National Press Club.

"The National Press Club expresses its deepest condolences to the family of Nelson Mandela and to the people of South Africa. Mr. Mandela spoke twice at the National Press Club, once at as the leader of the African National Congress shortly after his release in 1991, and then as President of South Africa in 1994. For many people in Washington these events were their first opportunities to see and hear Mandela speak and they say it is something they will never forget. His photo remains in a prominent place in our Club and is noticed by speakers and leaders from around the globe when they visit here. He brought many freedoms to his country and shared them with the world."

The National Press Club recently honored Mandela in a program, Life, Legacy and Values which was a special celebration with the South African Embassy and community in Washington held in the National Press Club Ballroom on Nov. 26, 2012.

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. The Club’s 3,000 members include journalists from every leading news organization.

The Club hosts more than 2,000 events each year attended by more than 250,000 people and viewed by a global audience of millions.

RELATED: Click here to read past NPC president Gil Klein's recollection of Mandela's 1994 visit to The National Press Club.